Hastings Kids Collective C.I.C. exists to provide a nurturing, democratic, non coercive learning community for home educated children. Our purpose is to offer children a consistent, intentional community where they can build meaningful relationships, develop interpersonal skills, and experience genuine agency in their learning and daily life. Although the company was incorporated in October 2024, we began operating in March 2025 as registered childminders in Maze Hill, St. Leonards-on-Sea, working with a small cohort of 12 children. This early phase allowed us to establish our core democratic routines, child led learning approach, and community agreements within a familiar, home based environment. In September 2025, we expanded significantly and moved our older cohort to Hop & Hare Farm. This expansion allowed us to double in size and offer a richer environment for nature based learning, creative exploration, and mixed age collaboration. The younger children (under 7s), including early years, continued to attend the Maze Hill setting during this period, ensuring continuity and developmental appropriateness for their age group. Across both sites, children were free to choose what and how they learned, supported by adults who acted as facilitators rather than instructors. Our non compulsory curriculum included creative arts, practical skills, science exploration, nature study, and long form projects initiated by the children themselves. A central part of our work this year has been supporting children to navigate interpersonal dynamics. Our Resolution Committee (a child led, restorative process) enabled children to practise communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem solving. This has been one of the most impactful aspects of our provision, strengthening confidence, empathy, and community responsibility. Overall, our activities this year have supported children to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually within a community that values autonomy, respect, and meaningful participation.

Children and families are central to all decision making at Kids Collective. Every child has a voice and an equal vote in our democratic processes. Children choose their own mentors, who check in with them regularly to support their wellbeing, interests, and goals. We meet with parents once per term to discuss their child’s experience and needs, and we maintain ongoing informal communication with families. Feedback is welcomed and acted upon, and any proposed changes to our practice or environment are discussed and voted on collectively by the community. Although we have not formally collaborated with local schools or charities, children regularly attend trips and events offered by local organisations and community venues. These experiences enrich their learning and strengthen their connection to the wider community

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration